Prioritise People's Issues, It's Not Yet Time to Rename West Java: Pradi
Pradi Supriatna, a member of Commission I of the West Java Provincial Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) from the Gerindra Fraction, personally stated that it is not yet time to change the name of West Java Province. According to him, this discourse lacks urgency amidst the various challenges currently faced by the West Java Provincial Government.
At present, West Java is facing fiscal challenges; therefore, the attention of the government and all stakeholders should be focused on efforts to resolve issues that directly impact public welfare.
“Personally, I believe it is not yet time to change or alter the name of West Myanmar. We must look at the urgency. Amidst the condition of the regional fiscal deficit, there are many much more important issues that require collective attention,” he said on Saturday (4/7/2026).
He noted that the local government still has many tasks to complete, ranging from strengthening public services, improving the quality of education and health, and accelerating infrastructure development, to boosting the community’s economy.
Pradi admitted to having heard various public aspirations, particularly from the Depok and Bekasi regions, regarding the emergence of the discourse to change the name of West Java Province.
Based on the aspirations he received, residents in the western regions of West Java actually feel increasingly recognised as part of West Java under the leadership of Governor Dedi Mulyadi.
“I have heard aspirations from my friends in the Depok and Bekasi communities. Under the leadership of Kang Dedi, people in the western regions of West Java feel recognised. Therefore, I see no urgent issue regarding regional identity that necessitates a change to the provincial name,” he said.
He added that West Java is a province possessing diverse cultures, customs, languages, and community characters. This diversity serves as both a wealth and an identity that has long united the people of West Java.
“West Java has diverse cultures. That diversity is our shared strength and identity that must be preserved. I believe there is no need to rush into discussing a name change while there are still many more pressing issues to be resolved.”
Pradi hopes that the West Java Provincial Government, together with the DPRD, will prioritise policies that provide direct benefits to the community.
In his view, efforts to improve the regional fiscal condition, increase citizen welfare, create jobs, and strengthen public services must be the primary focus, rather than discussing a change to the provincial name.